Josh Allen stands up for James Cook amid contract disagreements with the Bills, with closing thoughts from training camp.
As the 2025 NFL preseason kicks off, the Buffalo Bills are grappling with a contract holdout situation involving their star running back, James Cook. Despite reporting for training camp on time and participating fully earlier in the offseason, Cook has been absent amid ongoing contract negotiations[1][3][4][5].
Cook, who has enjoyed consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns at 16 in 2024, is seeking a contract extension. However, negotiations have yet to yield a deal[1]. The stalemate may be due to the modern NFL's valuation of running backs, as Cook is less involved in the passing game compared to more versatile backs[1].
The Bills face a strategic decision as the end of the season approaches. They can apply the franchise tag on Cook to retain him for another year (through 2026), or risk losing him if negotiations do not lead to a long-term deal[2]. The standoff affects the Bills’ preseason and potentially their roster planning, as Cook’s role as a premier rusher is crucial in balancing their offense and reducing the reliance on quarterback Josh Allen[1].
Meanwhile, Allen has expressed support for Cook, stating that the business side of football is difficult and that Cook's absence is about generational wealth[6]. Allen also trusts his coach's decision to have him hold the clipboard during the preseason opener[7].
On the injury front, rookie tackle Chase Lundt is expected to start in place of Spencer Brown, who is sidelined with a back injury. Taylor Rapp, the Bills' starting safety, missed practice on Thursday due to a knee injury and is expected to be out for approximately a week[8]. Dorian Strong, rookie cornerback, also missed practice and it is unclear if he will play in the preseason opener against the Giants[9].
Tylan Grable, offensive lineman, is in the concussion protocol and is likely to miss the Giants game. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills receiver, is expected to return from a high ankle sprain by the regular season opener[10].
Cole Bishop, Buffalo Bills safety, is still rehabbing a hamstring injury and was working off to the side during practice. Bishop missed significant time last season due to this injury, which could impact his chances at the starting job[11].
In a positive note, Bills coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in Shakir's ability to return quickly, citing his professional relationship with Josh Allen[12]. McDermott also revealed that Cook has been attending meetings at St. John Fisher University despite missing practices[13]. Despite his absence, Allen stated that Cook is still getting his mental reps in[14].
McDermott believes that Cook's missed time could cost him his chance at the starting job, as it did a year ago[15]. However, McDermott stated that Bishop is doing everything he can to stay engaged during walk-throughs[16].
As the Bills navigate these challenges, they remain focused on the upcoming regular season. The team will need to find solutions to the absences of key players and make strategic decisions regarding Cook's contract situation.
[1] The Athletic [2] ESPN [3] Pro Football Talk [4] Buffalo News [5] Sports Illustrated [6] Buffalo Bills [7] Buffalo Bills [8] Buffalo Bills [9] Buffalo Bills [10] Buffalo Bills [11] Buffalo Bills [12] Buffalo Bills [13] Buffalo Bills [14] Buffalo Bills [15] Buffalo Bills [16] Buffalo Bills
James Cook, the Bills' star running back, is seeking an extension in American football, specifically within the NFL and NFL's football league, over a contract dispute. His absence during ongoing negotiations has been a concern for the team, affecting their roster planning and the balance of their offense, particularly in the preseason.
